Commercial Horticulture Agent

Job Summary Collier County strives to be an employer of choice, and many of our employees build long-term careers with us. The salary listed in the job description reflects the full pay range for this position, from entry level through advanced career stages.

NEW EMPLOYEES ARE HIRED AT, OR NEAR THE ENTRY POINT SHOWN, DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS AND RELEVANT EXPERIENCE. University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Collier County seek to fill a 12-month, permanent status-accruing Extension Agent I-III position in Commercial Horticulture. This faculty position provides leadership for a comprehensive commercial horticulture Extension program serving Collier County's landscape, nursery, arboriculture, pest management, turfgrass, and green industry sectors.

The successful candidate will develop, implement, evaluate, and report innovative, research-based educational programs addressing current and emerging issues affecting commercial horticulture businesses, environmental stewardship, workforce development, pesticide licensing, and landscape sustainability. This position is jointly supported by UF/IFAS Extension and Collier County and reports to the County Extension Director with programmatic guidance from appropriate state and regional Extension leadership.

Candidates interested in this position must apply through the University of Florida careers page. Please use the following link to apply: https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/541739

Essential Functions Program Development and Delivery

• Conduct formal and informal needs assessments to identify priorities affecting commercial horticulture stakeholders throughout Collier County.
• Develop, deliver, evaluate, and report science-based educational programs addressing integrated pest management, plant health care, irrigation efficiency, water conservation, fertilizer best management practices, arboriculture, invasive species management, storm resilience, landscape sustainability, worker protection safety, and emerging horticultural issues.
• Plan and deliver in-person and virtual educational programs including workshops, field demonstrations, field days, webinars, certification courses, professional development programs, and industry conferences.
• Deliver Green Industries Best Management Practices education and related workforce development programming.
• Provide continuing education opportunities supporting pesticide applicator licensing and other professional credentials in partnership with industry associations and regulatory agencies.
• Translate university research into practical recommendations that improve profitability, environmental stewardship, operational efficiency, and risk management within commercial horticulture operations.

Industry and Community Engagement

• Establish and maintain productive working relationships with landscape professionals, nursery operators, arborists, pest management professionals, turf managers, municipalities, and public agencies.
• Develop and maintain a stakeholder advisory committee representing commercial horticulture interests to assist with program planning, evaluation, and accountability.
• Collaborate with industry organizations, local governments, educational institutions, and community partners to address horticultural and environmental priorities.
• Serve as a trusted source of research-based information and technical assistance for commercial horticulture clientele throughout Collier County.

Scholarship and Collaboration

• Demonstrate Extension scholarship through educational innovation, applied demonstrations, publications, presentations, impact reporting, and other scholarly activities.
• Collaborate with county, regional, and state Extension faculty on multidisciplinary initiatives addressing agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, urban landscapes, and water quality.
• Pursue grants, contracts, sponsorships, and other external funding opportunities that enhance program effectiveness and reach.
• Maintain active participation in relevant professional associations and continuing education opportunities.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate records and complete plans of work, reports of accomplishment, impact documentation, and accountability reports in accordance with University and Extension policies.
• Utilize data-driven evaluation methods to document program effectiveness, stakeholder behavior change, and economic, environmental, and social impacts.
• Participate in Extension office initiatives, county activities, and emergency management responsibilities as assigned.
• Support youth development programming as a minor component of the position (approximately 5%).

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Two (2) years of related experience.
• Candidates without a degree should possess four (4) additional years of related experience.
• Fingerprinting required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License with any applicable endorsement(s) to drive a County vehicle as provided in CMA 5805.
• Candidates must possess the academic credentials required for appointment at the appropriate Extension Agent rank. A bachelor's degree in horticulture, plant science, agronomy or a closely related discipline is required for Extension Agent I applicants. If hired solely with a bachelor’s degree, we want you to continue to grow in your career. As such, we expect you to make at least 50% progress towards obtaining your master’s degree within the first 6 years of employment. Course work completed within the State University System of Florida comes with a tuition waiver.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to design, deliver, and evaluate educational programs.
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Effective organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to providing timely, high quality customer service.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Proficiency with educational technology, data management, and digital communication tools.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and travel as needed.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain required Green Industries Best Management Practices Instructor and pesticide applicator certifications consistent with the Commercial Horticulture program area.
• Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.
• Master’s degree or higher in horticulture, plant science, agronomy or related discipline.
• Professional experience in Extension education or an equivalent applied education setting.
• Background in landscape pest management, arboriculture, irrigation, turf, or ornamental plant production.
• Experience securing grants or external funding.

Supplemental information

• Salary offers above the minimum pay grade may be considered based on qualifications.
• Essential Employees may be required to work during an undeclared or declared emergency. The County’s Administrative Office will determine who will be required to work on an incident-by-incident basis.
• This job posting is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.

Collier County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any status protected by applicable law. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities. Veterans’ Preference is provided to eligible applicants in accordance with Florida law. **Collier County BCC offers a variety of benefits to both regular full and part-time

employees. For information, click** here to view the comprehensive benefits package we have to offer when you join our team.